Receptacle for a male incontinence device

ABSTRACT

A multi-piece fluid transfer receptacle is used in a male incontinence device. The receptacle includes an outer shell having a first open end adapted for receiving the penis of a user and a second end defining a fluid discharge port. The second end extends beyond the first end a distance sufficient to cover a head of the penis, whereby urine is transferred forwardly from the penis and outwardly from the receptacle through the discharge port. A detachable fluid-management insert is received within the first open end and includes an elongated tongue spaced apart from an interior surface of the outer shell. The tongue forms a backflow barrier between the penis and the outer shell to shield the penis from urine flowing backward towards the user and away from the discharge port.

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to male incontinence, and morespecifically to a receptacle adapted for use in a male incontinencedevice. The invention fits securely and comfortably on the user withoutadhesives, tape, glue, or other constricting elements which may irritateand injure the skin. The invention is relatively inconspicuous underclothing, and provides a freedom of movement often sacrificed withcommercially available male incontinence devices and catheters. Userscan wear the present invention with confidence and without a feeling ofself-consciousness.

Incontinence is a growing problem, particularly in those adults ages 65and older. Approximately four million males in the United States sufferfrom varying degrees of incontinence. Common causes for this conditioninclude an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, pelvic trauma, spinalcord injury, and medication side-effects. Over $16 billion is spentannually on incontinence related care.

The present invention addresses the limitations of certain prior artdevices and catheters used for managing male incontinence. Specifically,the invention provides a “comfort wear” external device that is botheffective and easy to use, and which resides generally unnoticed insidethe clothing of the wearer without creating a feeling ofself-consciousness. The invention is also applicable for monitoring theamount of urine expelled by patients in bladder training followingprostate surgery, or radiation treatments. While not a cure for maleurinary incontinence, the invention is intended to allow for a betterquality of life with less skin irritation and fewer problems as comparedto present, commercially available and accepted incontinent devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a receptacle fora male incontinence device which is effective and comfortable to wear.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which is non-irritating to the skin, and which doesnot use adhesives, tape, glue or other constricting elements attacheddirectly to the penis.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which is easy to maintain and clean.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which has an ergonomic design for increased comfort.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which is easily concealed under clothing.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which is designed such that one size fits a majorityof users.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which is relatively easy to put on and remove.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which is especially designed for active adults.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which can be readily disassembled for cleaning andparts replacement, if necessary.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which reduces the incidence of urinary tractinfections.

It is another object of the invention to provide a receptacle for a maleincontinence device which allows air circulation between the receptacleand penis of the wearer.

These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in thepreferred embodiments disclosed below by providing a multi-piece fluidtransfer receptacle for a male incontinence device. The receptacleincludes an outer shell having a first open end adapted for receivingthe penis of a user and a second end defining a fluid discharge port.The second end extends beyond the first end a distance sufficient tocover a head of the penis, whereby urine is transferred forwardly fromthe penis and outwardly from the receptacle through the discharge port.A detachable fluid-management insert is received within the first openend and includes an elongated tongue spaced apart from an interiorsurface of the outer shell. The tongue forms a backflow barrier betweenthe penis and the outer shell to shield the penis from urine flowingbackward towards the user and away from the discharge port.

Preferably, the outer shell of the receptacle covers the full length ofthe penis.

The term “multi-piece” refers to pieces which are separately formed andsubsequently assembled, or which are integrally-formed together as asingle unit.

The fluid transfer insert is preferably detachable as a separate piece.In an alternative preferred embodiment, the fluid transfer insert isintegrally-formed together with the outer shell.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tongueof the fluid-management insert includes drain holes for allowing passageof urine therethrough.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a pluralityof spacers are located between the tongue and the interior surface ofthe outer shell.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, thefluid-management insert further includes an attachment ringintegrally-formed with the tongue and adapted to fit over an annularedge of the first open end of the outer shell.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, theattachment ring includes an outwardly-turned annular lip adapted tosnap-fit over a complementary annular shoulder formed with the firstopen end of the outer shell.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the tongueof the fluid-management insert has a generally cylindrical baseintegrally-formed with the attachment ring and spaced-apart from theinterior surface of the outer shell to capture urine flowing backwardtowards the user and away from the discharge port.

The term “generally cylindrical” is used broadly herein to meancylindrical, or having an oval or elliptical shaped cross-section.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the outershell is formed of a shape-retaining material having an arcuate,ergonomic design.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, thefluid-management insert is formed of an antimicrobial plastic.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the secondend of the outer shell has a reduced-diameter neck.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the neckincludes an external screw thread adapted for mating with acomplementary, internally-threaded cap of a urine collection bag.Alternatively, a separate internally-threaded cap may be used incombination with either an elongated drain tube or a disposablecollection bag fixed to the receptacle using an adhesive tape.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the neck isoffset from a notional centerline to reduce puddling at the dischargeport of the outer shell.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a one-wayvalve is located at the discharge port of the outer shell for providingone-way flow of urine outwardly from the receptacle. The one-way valvemay be located within the collection bag or embedded in theinternally-threaded cap.

In yet another embodiment, the receptacle includes an outer shell havinga first open end adapted for receiving the penis of a user and a secondend defining a fluid discharge port. The second end extends beyond thefirst end a distance sufficient to cover a head of the penis, wherebyurine is transferred forwardly from the penis and outwardly from thereceptacle through the discharge port. A fluid-management insert isreceived within the first open end. The insert includes an elongatedtongue spaced apart from an interior surface of the outer shell anddefining a plurality of drain holes for allowing passage of urinetherethrough. The tongue forms a backflow barrier between the penis andthe outer shell to shield the penis from urine flowing backward towardsthe user and away from the discharge port.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is a male incontinence deviceincluding a multi-piece fluid transfer receptacle.

Preferably, the incontinence device further includes a collection bagsecured to the second end of the outer shell and adapted for receivingand collecting urine flowing outwardly through the discharge port.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the objects of the invention have been set forth above. Otherobjects and advantages of the invention will appear as the descriptionproceeds when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an incontinence management system withcomponents of the system exploded away;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the undergarment showing the neck of thefluid transfer receptacle exposed for attachment to the urine collectionbag;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view of the undergarment illustratingthe location of the receptacle;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the receptacle showing the one-way flapvalve exploded away;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the receptacleand collection bag exploded away to illustrate the sealed, threadedconnection of these components;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the fluid-management insert;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle showing the outershell and insert in an assembled condition;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle showing the passageof urine through drain holes in the tongue and downwardly towards thedischarge port of the outer shell; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle showing the passageof urine through drain holes and flowing backwardly towards the user.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT AND BEST MODE

Referring now specifically to the drawings, a multi-piece fluid transferreceptacle for a male incontinence device according to the presentinvention is illustrated in FIG. 1, and shown generally at referencenumeral 10. The multi-piece receptacle 10 is especially adapted for usein an incontinence management system including a supporting undergarment11 and collection bag 12. The receptacle 10 comprises anergonomically-designed, shape-retaining outer shell 14 and a detachablefluid-management insert 15. The outer shell 14 and insert 15 arepreferably formed of a lightweight, flexible, soft, resilient,antimicrobial plastic.

The outer shell 14 has a relatively large diameter open end 16 adaptedfor receiving the penis of a user, and an opposite end defining anelongated reduced-diameter neck 17. The neck 17 is designed to penetratea crotch panel 18 of the undergarment 11 through a receptacle slit 19,shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. An end wall 21 of the neck 17 defines afluid discharge port 22 through which urine passes outwardly from thereceptacle 10 and into the collection bag 12. The collection bag 12attaches to the neck 17, as described below, and fits loosely within aleg pocket 24 formed with the undergarment 11. The collection bag 12 isreleasably retained inside the pocket using complementary patches ofhook and loop fasteners 25A and 25B. When the collection bag 12 is full,urine is drained through an outlet valve 12A.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the neck 17 of the outer shell 14 has anexternal screw thread 26 and locking detent 27. The screw thread 26 anddetent 27 mate with a complementary internal thread 28 and dimple 29(FIG. 5) formed with a cap 31 of the collection bag 12. Mating alignmentof the detent 27 and dimple 29 indicates a properly sealed, interlockingconnection between the receptacle 10 and bag 12.

A disk-shaped, one-way flap valve 32 is located between the dischargeport 22 of the outer shell 14 and the collection bag 12 to control theflow of urine from the receptacle 10 to the bag 12. The flap valve 32sits adjacent the neck 17, and includes a resilient attachment post 33which fits within a small opening 34 formed in the end wall 21 of theouter shell 14 adjacent the discharge port 22. The post 33 creates ahinge which urges the valve 32 into a normally closed condition seatedagainst the end wall 21 and covering the discharge port 22 to preventany backflow of urine from the collection bag 12 into the receptacle 10.With the occurrence of slight fluid pressure inside the receptacle 10,the flap valve 32 swings outwardly to an open condition allowing urineto flow outwardly from the receptacle 10 and into the collection bag 12.Preferably, the discharge port 22 is a series of strategically formedand spaced-apart openings designed to promote effective one-wayoperation and sealing of the flap valve 32.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the fluid-management insert 15 carriesthe penis of the user inside the receptacle 10 and is detachablyreceived within the open end 16 of the outer shell 14. Thefluid-management insert 15 includes a perforated tongue 35, a generallycylindrical base 36, and a rounded attachment ring 37. The attachmentring 37 has an outwardly-turned annular lip 38, best shown in FIG. 7,which snap fits over a complementary annular shoulder 39 formed with theopen end 16 of the outer shell 14. The convenient snap-attachment of theouter shell 14 and insert 15 allows ready assembly and disassembly ofthe receptacle 10 for cleaning and/or parts replacement. The cylindricalbase 36 is integrally-formed with the attachment ring 37 and slightlyspaced-apart from the interior surface of the outer shell 14. Theperforated tongue 35 is integrally-formed with the cylindrical base 36,and extends inwardly adjacent the contours of the outer shell 14. Theperforations promote ventilation inside the receptacle 10 and form drainholes 41 in the tongue 35 to permit the passage of urine away from thepenis. Preferably, the combined length of the tongue 35 and base 36 isgreater than 50% of the length of the outer shell 14. Post spacers 42are formed with an underside of the tongue 35 and engage the interiorsurface of the outer shell 14 to create a backflow passage between thetongue 35 and the outer shell 14.

When in a normal standing position, the receptacle 10 is generallyoriented inside the undergarment as shown in FIG. 8. In this position,urine flows downwardly from the penis “P” through the drain holes 41 inthe tongue 35, and outwardly through the discharge port 22 in the outershell 14 of the receptacle 10 to the attached collection bag (notshown). Alternatively, for hospital patients or other individualsconfined to a bed or wheelchair, an elongated drain tube may be fixed tothe neck 17 of the outer shell 14. In order to prevent or limit puddlingof urine inside the receptacle 10, the neck 17 of the outer shell 14extends along an axis 45 offset from a notional center axis 46 of thereceptacle 10, as shown in FIG. 7. When seated or in a supine position,the receptacle 10 is generally oriented in a more horizontal position.In this position, shown in FIG. 9, some amount of urine “U” may flowthrough the drain holes 41 in the tongue 35 and backwardly towards theuser. The tongue 35 provides a backflow barrier between the penis “P”and outer shell 14. In this case, urine “U” is shielded from the penis“P” and captured between the solid-wall cylindrical base 36 and outershell 14. The cylindrical base 36 extends 360 degrees around an innermargin of the open end 16 of the outer shell 14, and cooperates with theraised walls of the tongue 35, integrally-formed attachment ring 37, andmultiple drain openings 41 to provide complete protection against anybackflow leakage of urine from the receptacle 10.

For convenient access to the receptacle 10 and to enable normalurination outside of the receptacle 10, the undergarment 11 preferablyincludes a horizontal fly 47 which is opened and closed using snapfasteners 48 shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the receptacle 10 may befurther retained inside the undergarment 11 by an inside elastic strap49.

A multi-piece fluid transfer receptacle for a male incontinence deviceis described above. Various details of the invention may be changedwithout departing from its scope. Furthermore, the foregoing descriptionof the preferred embodiment of the invention and best mode forpracticing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustrationonly and not for the purpose of limitation—the invention being definedby the claims.

1. A fluid transfer receptacle for a male incontinence device, saidreceptacle comprising: an outer shell having a first open end adaptedfor receiving the penis of a user and a second end defining a fluiddischarge port, the second end extending beyond the first end a distancesufficient to cover a head of the penis, whereby urine is transferredforwardly from the penis and outwardly from said receptacle through saiddischarge port; and said outer shell having a longitudinal dimensionextending along an arcuate notional axis from the first end to thesecond end thereof; an elongated longitudinally arcuate tongue spacedapart from said outer shell and extending along a longitudinally arcuateinterior surface of said outer shell, and said tongue having contouredperipheral edges adapted to only partially surround a length of thepenis during use; and at least one spacer located intermediate thecontoured peripheral edges of said tongue, and between said tongue andthe interior surface of said outer shell.
 2. A fluid transfer receptacleaccording to claim 1, and comprising an attachment ringintegrally-formed with said tongue and adapted to fit over an annularedge of the first open end of said outer shell.
 3. A fluid transferreceptacle according to claim 2, wherein said attachment ring comprisesan outwardly-turned annular lip adapted to snap-fit over a complementaryannular shoulder formed with the first open end of said outer shell. 4.A fluid transfer receptacle according to claim 3, wherein said tonguecomprises a generally cylindrical base integrally-formed with saidattachment ring and spaced-apart from the interior surface of said outershell to capture urine flowing backward towards the user and away fromsaid discharge port.
 5. A fluid transfer receptacle according to claim1, wherein said outer shell is formed of a shape-retaining materialhaving an arcuate, ergonomic design.
 6. A fluid transfer receptacleaccording to claim 1, wherein said tongue is formed of an antimicrobialplastic.
 7. A fluid transfer receptacle according to claim 1, whereinthe second end of said outer shell comprises a reduced-diameter neck. 8.A fluid transfer receptacle according to claim 7, wherein said neckcomprises an external screw thread adapted for mating with acomplementary, internally-threaded cap of a urine collection bag.
 9. Afluid transfer receptacle according to claim 7, wherein said neck isoffset from a notional centerline to reduce puddling at the dischargeport of said outer shell.
 10. A fluid transfer receptacle according toclaim 1, and comprising a one-way valve located at the discharge port ofsaid outer shell for providing one-way flow of urine outwardly from saidreceptacle.
 11. A male incontinence device including a fluid transferreceptacle, said receptacle comprising: an outer shell having a firstopen end adapted for receiving the penis of a user and a second enddefining a fluid discharge port, the second end extending beyond thefirst end a distance sufficient to cover a head of the penis, wherebyurine is transferred forwardly from the penis and outwardly from saidreceptacle through said discharge port; and said outer shell having alongitudinal dimension extending along an arcuate notional axis from thefirst end to the second end thereof; an elongated longitudinally arcuatetongue spaced apart from said outer shell and extending along alongitudinally arcuate interior surface of said outer shell, and saidtongue having contoured peripheral edges adapted to only partiallysurround a length of the penis during use; and at least one spacerlocated intermediate the contoured peripheral edges of said tongue, andbetween said tongue and the interior surface of said outer shell.
 12. Amale incontinence device according to claim 11, and comprising acollection bag secured to the second end of said outer shell forreceiving and collecting urine flowing outwardly through said dischargeport.
 13. A male incontinence device according to claim 11, wherein saidtongue defines multiple perforations therein.